jewel of the seas and Haiti

[kitchen1]

We will be porting in Labadee, Haiti from early morning until afternoon. We have young kids. Feeling confused about what to do with regards to staying on the ship or going off, given the situation in Port au Prince. Also, any comments of the Jewel of the Seas in general? Just curious about the ship.:confused:

[cb at sea]

Port Au Prince is on the other side of the country...you will be in NO danger at Labadee.

The ship is gorgeous and there's alot to do.

 

Don't fear Labadee..it's totally private and protected. There's no reason not to enjoy the beach day.

[AlanAllyn]

The Jewel is one of my favorite ships. Enjoy.

 

There are a number of other threads on Labadee since the earthquake. Several RCCL cruises and a Celebrity cruise have already been there. There was no damage and there is no safety issue; Labadee is fenced off awith armed guards (always was).

 

Before the first ship docked there, RCCL consulted with the Haitian rep to the UN who encouraged them to keep coming. So far, every ship has brought pallets of water, food and medical supplies for Haiti and RCCL has donated the profits from all sails in Labadee (as well as $1 million) to relief.

 

Of course, you can stay on the ship. But do get off and support the local merchants in the market place. Help the Haitian economy.

[PhoenixCruiser]

The Jewel is my favorite ship and Labadee is my favorite port!! RCCL won't take you there if it isn't safe.

 

Enjoy your cruise :D

 

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[kitchen1]

Thanks for the great feedback!

[FUN33]

RCCL just announced a new program where passengers can assist in the distribution of Haiti relief supplies. They will be filling backpacks with supplies that RCCL is donating and transporting to Haiti. Your children may want to get involved in this during their visit to Labadee.

[Gathina]

There's been a lot of flack on the media about "how can passengers frolick in the sun and relax given the tragedy around them."

 

You could go off the ship and support the merchants. I think the idea of the passengers filling the backpacks is the best idea yet.

 

Let your conscience be your guide.

 

 

We will be porting in Labadee, Haiti from early morning until afternoon. We have young kids. Feeling confused about what to do with regards to staying on the ship or going off, given the situation in Port au Prince. Also, any comments of the Jewel of the Seas in general? Just curious about the ship.:confused:

[Moanumcara]

I have just returned from a 10 night cruise that included Labadee Haiti in the itinerary. This was by far my FAVORITE port of call. It is absolutely GORGEOUS! You can have peace of mind in going there because 100% of your excursion fees is going to the Haiti relief efforts. Each time an RCI ship docks there (about 3 times a week), they unload pallets and pallets of releif supplies that are picked up by the UN and shipped directly to Port au Prince for distribution. There is also a bin on the ship by the towel exchange for you to add any donations such as clothing, shoes, hygienic supplies etc. If you tell your airline a bag is for Haiti relief most will allow you to take it free of charge. Also, the night before docking in Labadee you can help to prepare relief kit bags by the hundreds! RCI does a fabulous job here! If you do not go to Labadee you cut off their only means of economy in this area....and these people assist their family members in Port au Prince.

 

Friends we made on the ship told us the 50 million dollar dock and renovations have made this place 100% better. The beaches are GORGEOUS! We did a SEADOO excursion that was guided and a BLAST! Some Haitian villagers kayaked out to our SEADOO's and we bought some trinkets, shells, jewelry to also lend our support to the economy. Then, we rented the floating mats and went to Neck Beach....it is the BEST beach there....calm, serene and turquise green! Amazing spot! I shudder at the thought that we alsmot did not get off in this port! Please go and enjoy yourself....it is simply the BEST!

 

Lynn & Mike:D

 

I tried to upload some amazing shots of this beach but it keeps failing! Bummer!